Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Guys love to do guy stuff. Like hunting, fishing, sports, cars, smoking, drinking, telling dirty jokes, looking at women. Guys think that being a mature man involves these things. But really, that’s not what it means to be a mature man. Those things are our natural inclination. Through life, we discover we must often discipline ourselves to deny those natural tendencies in order to accomplish something better. Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Taking control of our natural, carnal nature is what being a mature man is all about, my brother.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
“Wine is a mocker; strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1.
The abuse of alcohol is an epidemic in our world. Untold multitudes have been ruined by its’ effects. I know from personal experience how devastating the abuse of liquor can be. It tore apart my family growing up, almost ruined my own family when I got married, and I watched it take a toll on those I dearly love. As of this writing, another life was taken. When will we learn? You might say “I can handle it, I’m not an alcoholic!” Well, good for you – may it ever be so. I’ve been free from the stuff for more than 30 years by God’s grace, so it’s possible for you too, my friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Have you ever had anyone to your house you really didn’t know? Have you ever invited a perfect stranger over for a cup of tea, or lunch, or to spend the night? Debbie and I are often in a town where we’re strangers. We have experienced hospitality that, many times, has turned out to be a mutual blessing.
One of the hallmarks of the early church was their hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2, we find this: “Don’t be forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Pray for discernment – you do need to be careful. But, there just might be a blessing waiting, too.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
People everywhere, of all ages and in all walks of life, want to know their purpose. There was even a popular book on the subject. People wrestle with issues such as freedom, morality, and the law, and the so-called “Golden Rule.” Do you struggle with these matters?
The prophet Micah, writing over 2,500 years ago, addressed the matter with these words: “He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). May you be just, merciful, and humble before God today, friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Do you know it’s possible to profess Christ, but not possess Christ? In other words, there are many people who talk about Jesus, or even say they are Christians, but they don’t live out what Jesus taught. Folks who claim to be Christian ought to at least live out what Jesus taught us.
To do that involves not only knowing about Jesus and his teachings, but actually have him inside, animating the Christian. Possessing Christ is totally different than a mere profession. It’s a lifestyle born out of a relationship. Jesus said “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16).
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Do you realize that if you are in Christ, you are a part of his body? You aren’t simply a member of some club, team, or corporation. You are actually a part of the body of Jesus Christ. Your life is all about what Jesus is about on this Earth living out his desires and accomplishing his purposes. It’s not about an organization; rather, it’s about an organism.
The Apostle Paul expressed it like this: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ; and every one, members of one another.” (Romans 12:5). Even with all its’ frailties and failings, I hope you are enjoying the blessing of being a part of the body of Christ, my friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
I was thinking about that beautiful song that Paul Stookeyfrom Peter, Paul, and Mary wrote for Peter Yarrow when he was married. Debbie and I had my brother Joe and the pastor’s wife play it at our wedding. It begins “He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.” So beautiful!
Four times in the Bible, we read that a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they too shall be one flesh. Apparently, in God’s eyes, he sees the two as one. This is an incredible picture of unity and harmony. With God in the mix, it has the ability to work well. That’s why Jesus, in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9 said “What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”